How do I trace over an image using vertices and then turn it into a 3D mesh?

[SamuraiPanda]

I got the idea to take a single vert and continuously extrude it to trace an image that I have with the goal to turn it into a 3D mesh.

In theory, it’ll save me way more time and it’ll take less pressure off me, considering I’m somewhat of a beginner. Not to mention, I want to make a character for a video game.

So, this what I did first. (The red line is the vertices unselected in Object Mode.)

However, after tracing my image, I don’t know what to do to turn the vertices into a 3D mesh. I tried to add skin to it, but it came out looking like this:

Any idea on how I can make this look like a 3D head?

(I want it to look something like this by the end.)

[digitvisions]

Hi, you could start with cube and mirror modifier. or use this app never used it myself:

Turn 2D Images into 3D Objects with Monster Mash! (Free Web Tool)

This is the best way for learning modelling:

2D Image to 3D Character in Blender - Part 1 (Beginners Tutorial)

Blender Image to 3D Model - Beginner Tutorial

[Magnavis]

The short answer is, you don’t. Not the way you’re trying to do it anyway.

Have you tried looking on YouTube? Search for ‘Blender low poly pig’ and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of helpful videos.

[Zanki]

What you need to start with is a side and front view of the object you’re trying to model. Usually I start out with a simple plane and model the side view first. To me this makes sense but might not to other people. Then when I think it’s good, I extrude it to make it 3D, then start working on bulking it out.

For organic I usually go with sculpting. Same deal really, side and front view, but instead of using a plane, I use objects that are the right kind of shape already. They are voxel merged where necessary and then I use the sculpting tools to push, pull etc to make it look like the animal. Once it’s sculpted, then you can work on retopoing the model and bringing that poly count down.

[Okidoki]

@SamuraiPanda

In theory, it’ll save me way more time and it’ll take less pressure off me, considering I’m somewhat of a beginner.

No… it doesn’t. Beginner should not try to be “smarter” than people who do this for a while and have developed different techniques to make things work.

That’s somekind of principle humankind came up with… to “save” time one does not have to get through all the thousend of years humankind needed to develop this.

So if one wants to learn somethign about any field then one should try some beginners course/lecture/tutorial.

Always…
…and remember: everyone started as a beginner.